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Friday, June 21, 2013

Where Does Learning Happen? A Contrast of Two Tours

This morning Doug asked me, "Should we have enjoyed the Makers Mark tour as much as we did?"  I responded immediately with the contrast between two tours we did on consecutive days.



Mammoth Cave National Park, Historic Passage Tour vs Makers Mark Distillery Tour

On the cave tour the first instructions were DO NOT.

Do not touch the cave.
Do not bring a stroller.
Do not wear an infant carrier.
Do not bring food or drinks into the cave.
Do not use flash photography.

And on... And on... And on...

The distillery tour warmly welcomed us.

We went in with all the kids (expecting a list of rules, after all we were taking a bunch of kids to a distillery!) As we waited for our tour, we explored the museum-house where nothing was untouchable.



When we gathered on the  porch the only "Do Not" was Do not bring open containers.   

We took a stroller. (Yes there were stairs, we managed them fine.)
We tasted mash with our fingers!
We were near glass bottles and hot wax and no one freaked out on us.

Where do you think the kids were more comfortable, asking more questions, and interacting more? 

Yes. The distillery, which was totally new to them, a foreign place, but open and even welcoming to them.

Learning happens in an environment where one is comfortable, welcome, and invited to engage, not with a list of Do Nots.

How can we apply this to all learning, school, church, life?

The world is our classroom how do we engage it? 

2 comments:

  1. What a wonderful opportunity for a paradigm shift! Life IS out-of-the-box, no cookie-cutter or pre-ordained list. There's such a freshness to our soul when we can reach beyond to see the REAL with our senses. Incredible memories are being made with parents who love with open hands. Way to go!!!

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  2. Stacy, I stumbled upon your blog and would LOVE to get in touch with you. We are taking our big family on a big adventure beginning in May 2015. We have 9 children by birth and adoption and are missionaries in the field of orphan care. I would love to pick your brain a little about life on the road with a large family. Thanks denise@embracetexas.org

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